From the desk of Robin Howard, Senior Director of Membership Services, Operations and Information Technology at the Council on Undergraduate Research:

Nothing more effectively demonstrates the value of undergraduate research than the words and stories of the student participants themselves. In the spring of 2013 the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) will host its 17th annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. This event will help members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.

CUR is calling for students to submit an abstract of their research that represents any of CUR’s disciplinary divisions (Arts and Humanities, Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Health Sciences, Mathematics/Computer Science, Physics/Astronomy, Psychology, and Social Sciences). In order to ensure proper review of applications, the above are the only disciplines that may apply. Should your research be inter-disciplinary, or in a subject not listed above, please select the division that most closely describes your research, if applicable.

Abstract submissions will only be accepted by using our on-line submission form. Prior to submitting the form, students should gather the contact information for all co-authors, advisors and sponsors (if applicable), prepare a short vitae/resume, and poster abstract. A document listing the information required for submission can be found by visiting: http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill_information_for_submission/

For more information, and the link to submit an application, please visit: http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill_call_for_abstracts/. Please note that CUR membership is required to submit an application. Either the student’s home institution must have an institutional membership, or a faculty mentor or undergraduate research coordinator appearing on the submission must have an individual membership. We will not review incomplete applications or applications that do not satisfy the membership requirement.

Please be sure that both portions (the electronic application and the electronic recommendation letter) are submitted by November 1, 2012. Please encourage your students to submit. This is a highly competitive program, which makes for a very exciting experience for the students and their faculty advisors alike.

For more information about the Posters on the Hill program, please visit http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill/

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

Students, don’t miss out on the opportunity to share your research with elected officials on Capitol Hill!